By Nick Sementelli (Board of Directors, Advocacy Committee) • May 12, 2021
Last week community leaders in Eckington made the case for restoring the Comprehensive Plan’s Future Land Use Map Amendments that would allow housing on the industrial land near the metros and along the trail in their neighborhood. But according to DC Council Chair Phil Mendelson, who removed these amendments from his draft version of the plan, the issue is not anything about these specific parcels, but rather a concern with our city’s limited supply of Production, Distribution and Repair (PDR) land overall. It’s not an irrational concern, but it doesn’t appear to hold up to closer scrutiny.
The Beltway might not be getting as many extra lanes after all. Maryland’s Department of Transportation announced a preferred alternative for the first phase of its highway expansion plan that removes most of the Beltway, instead focusing on the American Legion Bridge and HOT lanes on I-270. (Colleen Grablick / DCist, Briana Adhikusuma / Bethesda Beat. Tip: Chester B.)
Motorists were out in full force Wednesday, scrambling to find gas due to panic over a shortage after a cyberattack caused the Colonial Pipeline to close temporarily. Officials say the panic is what’s causing the shortages. (Post)
Thirteen years ago, 12-year-old Percy Williams asked DC Council to turn an abandoned neighborhood school into a recreation center. Seven years after that, he was killed without having seen the rec center built — and residents are still waiting. (Theresa Vargas / Post)
A new 12-bed housing facility for women is opening in June in the Kenilworth neighborhood of Northeast DC. The shelter, run by Thrive DC, will serve women returning from prison or struggling with addition. (Aja Beckham / DCist)
Frederick and Montgomery County officials will meet with the Maryland Transit Administration to discuss improving service on MARC’s Brunswick Line, including potential midday, weekend, and bi-directional service. (Ryan Marshall / The Frederick News-Post. Tip: Aaron W)
DC Mayor Muriel Bowser announced plans to dedicate $10 million to add more speed cameras and make improvements to streets and dangerous intersections around the District, in order to combat a rise in traffic deaths. (Jordan Pascale / DCist)
Gov. Larry Hogan announced he will remove all capacity restrictions on Maryland businesses starting Saturday. The only condition that will remain in place is the indoor mask order. Hogan also said 70% of adults are expected to be vaccinated by Memorial Day. (Zeke Hartner / WTOP)
